Mrs. Dorothy Marie (Cleveland) Hendon

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens: A time to be born, and a time to die, a time to plant, and a time to pluck up

that which is planted...”  Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Strength, Courage, Passionate, Faith-Filled, Caretaker, and God-fearing are the words to describe Dorothy Hendon, a phenomenal woman.

Dorothy Marie Cleveland Hendon was born on February 14, 1933 to parents Dessie and Johnnie Cleveland, Sr., in Tallulah, Louisiana. Dorothy transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly mansion on August 23, 2019, surrounded by her family, where they were praying and singing her favorite hymns. A celebration took place when she reunited with her loved ones, her husband Andrew (Nick) Hendon, daughter Sherria, sons Andrew Jr., and Christopher, grandmother Emily Kinner, sister Vera Cleveland,  three grandsons Gregory Manning, Marquis Wright, and Roderick Perkins, cousin and best friend Leola Johnson, and many other family members and friends.

A Time to Be Born

Dorothy accepted Christ at the age of 12 years old under the leadership of Rev. F. C. Tate at Zion Chapel AME Zion Church. Dorothy served faithfully at Zion Chapel in many capacities, including playing the piano and singing in the choir. She later transferred her membership to St. James AME Zion, where she was a devoted and dedicated member until her passing. She loved singing in the choir. One of the joys of her life was the ministry of music. She had an angelical soprano voice and led several solos. Dorothy served several years as the chairperson of Christian Education. She chaired the annual Missionary program. Church is where she got her joy and happiness.

A Time to Unite

Dorothy united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Andrew (Nick) Hendon. They were the proud parents of eight children: Glenda, Linda, Andrew Jr., Sherria, Regina, Michael, Clifton and Christopher. Andrew and Dorothy were married for 68 years until his passing in June of 2017. Finally, they are back together again.

A Time to Learn

Dorothy attended the Madison Parish Training School in Tallulah. Two years before graduation the school became Reuben McCall Senior High School. Dorothy loved to read and recite many poems especially “God’s Creation”. She was an honor student. She was honored to be selected as the Salutatorian for her class. She was active in the choir and played basketball.

Later in life Dorothy had a desire to seek higher education. She returned to school as a nontraditional student and completed a typing class. Her quest for knowledge never stopped; she continued her desire to learn and entered Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, Louisiana, in 1975 at the age of 48, and received a bachelor of science in social work. Dorothy and friends Pat Buchanan and Matilda Williams commuted to Northeast two nights per week until they completed their degrees. Her motto: “A Mind is a terrible thing to waste”. 

A Time to Work

Dorothy worked in many capacities: she was a Home Maker (providing excellent meals for Nick & the kids), a Caretaker (taking on the loving care of her grandmother Emily, her husband Nick, her daughter Sherria, and her son Andrew (June Bug), Dietician at Madison Parish Hospital, Library Assistant at Wright Elementary, and retired as a Social Worker in Tallulah and Lake Providence, LA.

A Time to Die

After a courageous battle with many chronic illnesses, mother received her wings of glory on August 23rd surrounded by her family. Dorothy did it her way and made her request known to God. Dorothy’s Motto: It is well with my Soul.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memories: five children, Glenda Hendon, Linda (David) Tyson of Dallas, TX, Regina (Anthony) Toney of Kansas City, MO, Michael (Ora Jean) Hendon of Vicksburg, MS, and Clifton Carl Hendon; one sister, Lucille Bryant, of Las Vegas, NV; two brothers, Johnny (Essie) Cleveland and James (Barbara) Cleveland of Las Vegas NV; daughter-in-law, Shirley Hendon and son-in-law, Norris Clark; 20 wonderful grandchildren, Juan (Krystal) Hendon, Marcus Jermaine Hendon, Akilah Tyson Fergerson, Jamila (Joshua) Mergerson, David Jamal (Tia) Tyson, Vesta (Timothy) Armstrong, Andrew III (Jessica) Hendon, Alanna Rooks, Chadrick Hendon, Jamie (Tenisha) Hendon, Christopher Wattley, Quincy (Chrystal) Hendon, Rasheedah Allen, Krystal Wilson, Evelyn Clark, Dr. Botswana (Dr. Joel) Blackburn, Lakesha Toney, Michael (Havanna) Perkins, Katrina (PJ) Thomas, and Bryant Ward; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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